Ministry of Mercy/Funeral Planning

What do you do when someone dies?  What happens?  The parishioners of the Emmaus Pastorate are uniquely blessed with having lay ministers in our parishes who are part of our Ministry of Mercy.  Ministry of Mercy is a service parishioners provide to assist in all the details of the Rites of Christian Burial.  These folks are trained (and very skilled) in assisting families with planning fitting funerals and celebrations of life for their loved ones.  You are not in this alone!  Some helpful things for you to know:

• If you or a loved one is approaching death, please alert the Emmaus Pastorate office at 563-928-7200 and speak with Fr. John or Deacon Paul if you’ve not already done so.
• A Minister of Mercy, Deacon Paul, or Fr. John will come to meet with you and bring the planning materials.  Know that if at all possible, it is always best to include the person themselves in their own planning—if they wish.  It can actually be a very spiritual and therapeutic experience.  Pre-planning is highly encouraged!
• At the time of death in our area, the parish is usually contacted by the funeral home.  However, we always like to receive the information from you as well.  Call either parish office, your Minister of Mercy, Deacon Paul, or Fr. John anytime day or night, and let us know.
• In the days following a death, a Minister of Mercy along with the funeral home will help you navigate decisions such as burial wishes, wake options, luncheon ideas, etc.

Preplanning your funeral or that of a loved one is an excellent idea!  These materials should help you through the process, though not every step can be completed before death.  Ministers of Mercy are also happy to help you, so feel free to contact them!  Hard copies of these materials are also available at the St. Joseph Parish Center and St. Mark Parish Office.

Emmaus Pastorate Ministers of Mercy include:

• Fr. John Haugen, Pastor
  • Cell: 563-543-5873
  • Email: [email protected]
• Deacon Paul Dolan
  • Office: 563-928-7200
  • Email: [email protected]
• John Uhal, Director of Liturgy & Music
  • Office: 563-245-2548
  • Cell: 563-552-6755
  • Email: [email protected]
• Mike Rentschler, Minister of Mercy for Sacred Heart and St. Joseph Parishes
  • Cell: 563-880-1316
  • Email: [email protected]
• Ann Venticher, Minister of Mercy for St. Mark Parish
  • Cell: 563-920-1786
  • Email: [email protected]
• Deb Schloss, Minister of Mercy for St. Mary Parish
  • Cell: 563-920-8263
  • Email: [email protected]
• Carol Steger, Minister of Mercy for St. Patrick Parish
  • Cell: 563-580-6494
  • Email: [email protected]